Game controller with removable magnetic button

ABSTRACT

A game controller includes an electronic input sensor and a button-retention feature. The button-retention feature is configured to removably affix a selected button accessory to the game controller through a magnetic attraction between the button-retention feature and the selected button accessory. The selected button accessory is one of a plurality of differently configured button accessories removably affixable to the game controller. The selected button accessory is configured to translate a touch applied to the selected button accessory to an actuation of the electronic input sensor when the selected button accessory is affixed to the game controller.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/734,970, filed Jun. 9, 2015, the entire contents of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

A game controller may be used to provide user input to control an objector a character in a video game. A game controller may include varioustypes of controls that may be configured to be manipulated by a fingerto provide different types of user input. Non-limiting examples of suchcontrols may include push buttons, triggers, touch pads, joysticks,paddles, bumpers, and directional pads.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore,the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solveany or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

A game controller includes an electronic input sensor and abutton-retention feature. The button-retention feature is configured toremovably affix a selected button accessory to the game controllerthrough a magnetic attraction between the button-retention feature andthe selected button accessory. The selected button accessory is one of aplurality of differently configured button accessories removablyaffixable to the game controller. The selected button accessory isconfigured to translate a touch applied to the selected button accessoryto an actuation of the electronic input sensor when the selected buttonaccessory is affixed to the game controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front of an example game controller with removable buttonaccessories affixed to the game controller.

FIG. 2 shows the game controller of FIG. 1 without the removable buttonaccessories affixed to the game controller.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom of the game controller of FIG. 1 with removablebutton accessories aligned to be removably affixed to correspondingmounting platforms.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a selected button accessory aligned tobe affixed to a mounting platform of the game controller of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5-7 show an example mounting platform of the game controller ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 8-10 show an example button accessory removably affixable to thegame controller of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 11-12 show a selected button accessory including a mating featureinteracting with a mating feature of a housing portion of a gamecontroller.

FIGS. 13-14 show a selected button accessory removably affixed to amounting platform configured to interact with a collapsible switch.

FIGS. 15-17 shows a selected button accessory removably affixed to amounting platform configured to interact with a Hall Effect sensor.

FIG. 18 shows a first set of button accessories associated with a firstset of control signals.

FIG. 19 shows a second set of button accessories associated with asecond set of control signals different than the first set of controlsignals.

FIG. 20 shows a plurality of mounting platforms each having differentmating features and a different visual identifier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

User input control devices, such as game controllers, may beshaped/sized to fit an average hand size of a population of users.Likewise, finger-manipulatable controls (e.g., push buttons, triggers,joysticks, directional pads) that are integral to a game controller havetraditionally been designed according to a “one size fits all” approach.However, different users may have different preferences on the shape,size, color, texture, or other attributes of such controls.

The present disclosure is directed to a customizable game controllerthat includes one or more finger manipulatable push button accessoriesthat can be swapped out in a tool-free manner. More particularly, thegame controller may be configured to facilitate a selected buttonaccessory to be removably affixed to the game controller through amagnetic attraction between a button-retention feature of a mountingplatform of the game controller and the selected button accessory. Byemploying cooperating magnetic components in the mounting platform andthe differently configured button accessories, the differentlyconfigured button accessories may be quickly and easily swapped withoutthe use of tools.

For example, such a configuration may facilitate the use of differentlyconfigured removable button accessories that may be quickly swapped whenswitching between playing different video games. In another example,such a configuration may facilitate the use of differently configuredremovable button accessories that may be quickly swapped when the gamecontroller is used by different players.

FIGS. 1-3 show an example user input control device in the form of agame controller 100. The game controller 100 may be configured totranslate user input into control signals that are output to a computingdevice, such as a gaming console. The control signals may be mapped tocommands to control a video game or perform other operations. Forexample, the game controller 100 may be configured to send controlsignals via a wired or wireless connection with a computing device.

The game controller 100 includes a plurality of controls 102 configuredto generate different control signals responsive to finger manipulation.The plurality of controls 102 may include a plurality of removable pushbuttons 104 (e.g., 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D), a plurality of joysticks 106(e.g., a left joystick 106A and a right joystick 106B), a plurality oftriggers 108 (e.g., a left trigger 108A and a right trigger 108B), aplurality of bumpers 110 (e.g., left bumper 110A and right bumper 110B),a plurality of actions buttons 112 (e.g., 112A, 112B, 112C), and adirectional pad 114. The plurality of controls 102 may be coupled to aframe 116. The frame 116 may be contained collectively within an upperhousing portion 118 and a lower housing portion 120 of the gamecontroller 100. In other words, the upper housing portion 118 and thelower housing portion 120 may cooperate to form a housing that containsat least a portion of each of the plurality of controls 102 that arecoupled to the frame 116.

A printed circuit board 122 may be coupled to the frame 116. The printedcircuit board 122 may include a plurality of electronic input sensors124. Each electronic input sensor may be configured to actuateresponsive to interaction with a corresponding control. Non-limitingexamples of electronic input sensors may include collapsible switchessuch as dome switches and tactile switches, Hall Effect sensors,potentiometers, and other electronic sensing components. Any suitablesensor may be implemented in the game controller 100. In someimplementations, two or more printed circuit boards may be used. Thegame controller 100 may include any number of controls, any type ofcontrols, any number of electronic input sensors, and any type ofelectronic input sensors without departing from the scope of thisdisclosure.

In the depicted implementation, the plurality of removable push buttons104 (also referred to herein as button accessories) are the only type ofcontrol on the game controller 100 that are removable without the use oftools. In some implementations, the game controller 100 may includeother types of controls (e.g., joystick, directional pad, triggers) thatmay be removed/swapped tool free.

Different removable push buttons 104 may have different sizes, shapes,textured surfaces, colors, artwork, and other features that arepreferred by different users or may be suited for particular gaming orother purposes.

The game controller 100 includes a mounting platform 126 (e.g., 126A,126B, 126C, 126D) configured to interface with a selected buttonaccessory 104 (e.g., 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D). In particular, theplurality of button accessories 104 may interface with the plurality ofmounting platforms 126 in alignment with an axis 128. In the illustratedexample, the axis 128 is aligned with a direction in which the pluralityof button accessories are depressible.

In the illustrated example, the upper housing portion 118 defines aplurality of apertures 130 (e.g., 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D), and theplurality of mounting platforms 126 may be recessed within the pluralityof apertures 130. By recessing the plurality of mounting platforms 126within the apertures 130, a seam created between the selected buttonaccessory 104 and the mounting platform 126 may be protected fromexternal elements. Moreover, the mounting platform 126 may be configuredto interface with the upper housing portion 118 to create a seal thatprevents external elements from entering an interior of the gamecontroller 100.

In some implementations, one or more of the plurality of mountingplatforms 126 may be flush with the upper housing portion 118. In someimplementations, one or more of the plurality of mounting platforms 126may protrude from the upper housing portion 118.

FIG. 4 shows a selected mounting platform 126 and a selected buttonaccessory 104 aligned to be affixed to the mounting platform 126. Theselected button accessory 104 may include a topside 132 and an underside134 that is opposite the topside 132. The topside 132 may include anysuitable surface, feature, shape, and/or structure configured to betouched and/or manually manipulated by a finger. The underside 134 mayinclude any suitable surface, feature, shape, and/or structureconfigured to selectively mate with the mounting platform 126 toremovably affix the selected button accessory 104 to the game controller100. For example, the underside 134 of the selected button accessory 104may have a shape that complements a shape of a topside 136 of themounting platform 126. Such corresponding interfaces may aid theselected button accessory 104 in aligning with the mounting platform 126to removably affix the selected button accessory 104 to the gamecontroller 100.

Furthermore, the mounting platform 126 may include one or morebutton-retention features 138 configured to removably affix the selectedbutton accessory 104 to the game controller 100 without the use oftools. In particular, the button-retention feature 138 may have amagnetic attraction to at least a portion of the selected buttonaccessory 104 to affix the selected button accessory 104 to the mountingplatform 126. Moreover, the one or more button-retention features 138 ofthe mounting platform 126 may allow for various differently configuredbutton accessories to be quickly and easily affixed to the mountingplatform 126 without the use of tools.

In the illustrated example, the button-retention feature 138 includes amagnet 140 secured within a cavity 142 formed on an underside 144 of themounting platform 126. The cavity 142 may have a depth to accommodatethe magnet 140 such that the magnet is at least flush (or recessed) withthe underside 144 of the mounting platform 126. The magnet 140 may becoupled to the cavity 142 in any suitable manner. For example, themagnet 140 may be coupled to the cavity 142 using pressure-sensitiveadhesive.

In another example, the magnet 140 may be secured to the topside 136 ofthe mounting platform 126 such that the magnet 140 is exposed to theselected button accessory 104. The button-retention feature 138 mayinclude any number of magnets, any shape of magnet(s), and/or anyarrangement of magnet(s).

In some implementations, a button-retention feature may be positionedelsewhere in the game controller 100 instead of included in the mountingplatform 126. For example, a button-retention feature may be positionedadjacent the aperture 130 within the upper housing portion 118. Inanother example, a button-retention feature may be mounted to the frame116. In another example, a button-retention feature may be coupled toanother static component of the game controller 100.

In some implementations, the mounting platform 126 may be omitted fromthe game controller 100. Instead, in one example, a button-retentionfeature may be configured to removably affix the selected buttonaccessory 104 to the game controller 100 through a magnetic attractionbetween the button-retention feature and the selected button accessory104. In such implementations, the selected button accessory 104 may beconfigured to translate a touch applied to the selected button accessory104 to an actuation of the electronic input sensor 124 when the selectedbutton accessory 104 is affixed to the game controller 100. In suchimplementations, the selected button accessory 104 may include a sensoractuation feature configured to interact with the electronic inputsensor 124 to actuate the electronic input sensor 124 responsive to thetouch applied to the selected button accessory 104 when the selectedbutton accessory 104 is affixed to the game controller 100.

Further, in the illustrated example, the selected button accessory 104includes an assembly including a cap 146 and a steel plate 148 securedon an underside of the cap 146. The steel plate 148 may have a magneticattraction to the magnet 140 to removably affix the selected buttonaccessory 104 to the mounting platform 126. In some implementations, thesteel plate 148 may be secured to the cap 146 via an adhesive. In someimplementations, the steel plate 148 may be secured to the cap via aninjection molding process in which the steel plate 148 is partially orcompletely embedded within the cap 146. In the illustrated example, thesteel plate 148 may be recessed from the underside 134 of the selectedbutton accessory 104. In some implementations, the steel plate 148 maybe flush with the underside 134 of the selected button accessory 104. Inone particular example, the steel plate may include a central portionand a perimeter ring, and the perimeter ring may have a depth that isless than the central portion such that the perimeter ring is recessedfrom the underside 134 of the selected button accessory relative to thecentral portion. In particular, the perimeter ring may be recessedrelative to the central portion to allow a plastic over-mold of the cap146 to encase the perimeter ring in order to secure the steel plate 148to the cap 146 and allow the central portion of the steel plate 148 tobe flush with the underside 134.

In some implementations, the steel plate 148 may be replaced with aplate (or other part) made of a different ferromagnetic material. Insome implementations, the selected button accessory 104 may be a singleferromagnetic metal part. For example, the metal part may be metalinjection-molded. In another example, the part may be machined from asingle piece of metal. In another example, the part may be formed fromsheet metal. In some implementations, the selected button accessory 104may be an assembly including one or more ferromagnetic parts.

In some implementations, the button-retention feature 138 may includeferromagnetic material, and the selected button accessory 104 mayinclude one or more magnets having a magnetic attraction to theferromagnetic material of the button-retention feature 138. In otherwords, such an implementation may be the inverse of the depictedimplementation.

In some implementations, the mounting platform 126 and the selectedbutton accessory 104 each may include cooperating magnets having amagnetic attraction that allows the selected button accessory 104 to beremovably affixed to the mounting platform 126.

The mounting platform 126 may include a plurality of securement tabs 150(e.g., 150A, 150B, 150C) that extend outward radially from the mountingplatform 126. In particular, the plurality of securement tabs 150 mayextend outward beyond the aperture 130 and underneath an interiorsurface 152 of the upper housing portion 118 to secure the mountingplatform 126 within the game controller 100. The plurality of securementtabs 150 may be configured to prevent the mounting platform 126 fromrotating within the controller 100. Note that an interface between theplurality of securement tabs 150 and the upper housing portion 118 mayallow the mounting platform 126 to actuate responsive to a touch beingapplied to the selected button accessory 104 when the selected buttonaccessory 104 is removably affixed to the mounting platform 126. In theillustrated example, the mounting platform 126 interfaces with the upperhousing portion 118. The mounting platform 126 may interface with anysuitable static part of the game controller 100. For example, in someimplementations, the mounting platform 126 may interface with a portionof the frame 116.

In some implementations, the selected button accessory 104 may include aplurality of grip notches 154 (e.g., 154A, 154B). The plurality of gripnotches 154 may be configured to be gripped by fingers of a user tofacilitate easy removal of the selected button accessory 104 from themounting platform 126. The selected button accessory 104 may include anysuitable number of grip notches 154, including zero grip notches.

FIGS. 5-7 show the mounting platform 126. In the depicted example, themounting platform 126 includes a base piece 500 and a protrusion 502that extends upward from the base piece 500. The base piece 500 may becircular and the protrusion 502 may be circular such that a diameter ofthe protrusion is less than a diameter of the base piece 500. Thisconfiguration may create a rim 504 around the perimeter of the circularbase piece 500 that may act as a seat to align the selected buttonaccessory 104 with the mounting platform 126 when the selected buttonaccessory 104 is removably affixed to the mounting platform 126.

In some implementations, the base piece 500 and/or the protrusion 502may have non-circular shapes. For example, the base piece 500 and/or theprotrusion 502 may include a triangle, square, star, or other shape. Insome implementations, the base piece 500 may have a shape that differsfrom a shape of the protrusion 502. For example, the base piece 500 maybe square and the protrusion 502 may be a circle.

The protrusion 502 may include a plurality of mating features 506 (e.g.,506A, 506B, 506C) configured to interlock with a corresponding pluralityof mating features 802 on the selected button accessory 104 to preventthe selected button accessory 104 from rotating about the mountingplatform 126. In the depicted example, the plurality of mating features506 are rectangular cutouts spaced apart around the perimeter of theprotrusion 502. The mounting platform 126 may include any suitablenumber of mating features 506, including no mating features. Moreover,the plurality of mating features 506 may have any suitable shape, and/orarrangement on the mounting platform 126.

In the depicted implementation, the magnet 140 is a hollowed outcylinder. In some implementations, the magnet 140 may be a differentshape. For example, the magnet 140 may be a cylinder, a cube, a plate,or another shape. In another example, the magnet 140 may be a multi-polemagnet. In some implementations, the multi-pole magnet may be configuredto at least partially aid in aligning the selected button accessory 104in a selected orientation relative to the mounting platform 126. In someimplementations, the mounting platform 126 may include a plurality ofmagnets that collectively produce a magnetic field.

In the depicted implementation, the magnet 140 may be oriented such thata pole of the magnet 140 is coaxial with an axis of the selected buttonaccessory 104 when the selected button accessory 104 is affixed to themounting platform 126. In other implementations, the magnet 140 may beconfigured such that a pole of the magnet 140 is transverse to the axisof the selected button accessory 104 when the selected button accessory104 is affixed to the mounting platform 126.

FIGS. 8-10 show the selected button accessory 104. The selected buttonaccessory 104 is cylindrical, and the topside 132 is smooth and round.The underside 134 of the selected button accessory 104 may be configuredto have a shape that complements the shape of the protrusion 502 of themounting platform 126. In particular, the underside 134 of the selectedbutton accessory 104 may form a cavity 800 sized slightly larger thanthe protrusion 502 such that when the selected button accessory 104 isaffixed to the mounting platform 126, the cavity 800 covers theprotrusion 502. In one example, the height of the protrusion 502 may beat least as great as a depth of the cavity 800 such that when theselected button accessory 104 is affixed to the mounting platform 126,the steel plate 148 rests on the protrusion 502.

In some implementations, the selected button accessory 104 may include aprotrusion that complements a shape of a cavity formed in the mountingplatform 126 to affix the selected button accessory 104 to the mountingplatform 126. The selected button accessory 104 and the mountingplatform 126 may include any complimentary features that allow theselected button accessory 104 to affix to the mounting platform 126.

Other button accessories may be a different shape and/or may include atopside having a different shape. For example, the topside 132 mayinclude a concave dish. In another example, the topside 132 may includedifferent textures including smooth textures, rough textures, or othersuitable textures. Some textures may be formed from different materialcoatings applied to the button accessory. Other textures may be formedby a structure of the button accessory itself. In another example,different button accessories may have different textural indicators(e.g., ridges, bumps, depressions) to differentiate between differentbutton accessories. In some implementations, different buttonaccessories may have different heights such that the different buttonaccessories protrude a greater distance or a lesser distance from thegame controller 100. In some implementations, different buttonaccessories may include different materials. Non-limiting examples ofdifferent materials that may be included in different button accessoriesinclude metal, rubber, and plastic.

Furthermore, the selected button accessory 104 includes a plurality ofmating features 802 (e.g., 802A, 802B, 802C, 802D) configured tointerlock with the corresponding plurality of mating features 506 of themounting platform 126 to prevent the selected button accessory 104 fromrotating about the mounting platform. In the depicted example theplurality of mating features 802 are rectangular peninsulas that extendinward from a perimeter of the underside 134 into the cavity 800. Abutton accessory may include any number of mating features having anyshape and/or size to interlock with corresponding mating features 802 ofone or more of the plurality of mounting platforms 126.

In some implementations, additionally or alternatively, the upperhousing portion 118 of the game controller 100 may define a matingfeature configured to interlock with a corresponding mating feature of aselected button accessory to prevent the selected button accessory fromrotating about the mounting platform. In the example depicted in FIGS.11-12, the upper housing portion 118 defines a slot 1100 adjacent anaperture 1102 in which the mounting platform 126 (shown in FIG. 4) isrecessed. Correspondingly, the selected button accessory 1104 includes atab 1106 that extends outward from the selected button accessory 1104.The tab 1106 may be sized to fit within the slot 1100 when the selectedbutton accessory 1104 is affixed to the mounting platform 126. Inparticular, the tab 1106 must be aligned to enter the slot 1100 in orderfor the selected button accessory 1104 to enter the aperture 1102 toaffix to the mounting platform 126. Such a configuration may ensure thatthe selected button accessory 1104 affixes to the mounting platform 126in a particular orientation and prevents the selected button accessory1104 from rotating to a different orientation.

The mating slot 1100 and cooperating tab 1106 may take any suitableform. In some implementations, the upper housing portion 118 and theselected button accessory 1104 each may include two or more cooperatingmating features.

The above described mating configuration may be particularly applicableto implementations of the game controller 100 in which the matingplatform 126 is omitted, the selected button accessory 104 is affixableto the game controller 100 through a magnetic attraction with abutton-retention feature that is positioned elsewhere in the gamecontroller 100, and the selected button accessory 104 actuates theelectronic input sensor 124 directly.

In some implementations, one or more mating slots may be formed in aselected button accessory, and the mounting platform, the upper housingportion, or another component of the game controller that is separatefrom the mounting platform may include one or more complimentary matingfeatures configured to extend into the one or more mating slots of theselected button accessory to prevent the selected button accessory fromrotating on the mounting platform. The selected button accessory 104 mayinteract with any component of the game controller 100 in any manner toprevent the selected button accessory 104 from rotating on the mountingplatform 126.

As discussed above, the mounting platform 126 may be configured totranslate a touch applied to the selected button accessory 104 to anactuation of a corresponding electronic input sensor 124 when theselected button accessory 104 is affixed to the mounting platform 126.In one example shown in FIGS. 13-14, the electronic input sensorincludes a collapsible switch 1300. The collapsible switch 1300 may bemounted to the printed circuit board 122. In particular, the collapsibleswitch may include a contact 1302 positioned on the printed circuitboard 122 and a collapsible portion 1304 having an underside 1306 thatincludes a conductive material (e.g., carbon). The collapsible portion1304 may be made of rubber or some other malleable material.

As shown in FIG. 13, the mounting platform 126 may be configured toreside in a default posture when no touch force is applied to theselected button accessory 104. In the default posture, the mountingplatform 126 merely touches the collapsible switch 1300, but does notcollapse the collapsible portion 1304. Further, the collapsible portion1304 is spaced apart from the contact 1302 such that the conductivematerial on the underside 1306 of the collapsible portion 1304 does nottouch the contact 1302.

As shown in FIG. 14, the mounting platform 126 may be configured totranslate a touch force 1400 applied to the selected button accessory104 to an actuation force applied by the mounting platform 126 toactuate the collapsible switch 1300. In the depicted example, themounting platform 126 translates downward causing the collapsibleportion 1304 to collapse such that the conductive material positioned onthe underside 1306 of the collapsible portion 1304 touches the contact1302. An activation signal may be generated responsive to the conductivematerial on the underside 1306 of the collapsible portion 1304 touchingthe contact 1302.

The activation signal may be any signal that differs from a signal orlack thereof produced in the default posture. For example, in someimplementations, the activation signal may correspond to a supplyvoltage (e.g., VDD) of the game controller 100 and the signal producedin the default state may correspond to a relative ground. (e.g., 0). Inother implementations, the activation signal may correspond to arelative ground and the signal produced in the default state maycorrespond to the supply voltage of the game controller 100.

The collapsible switch 1300 may be configured to return to a default(e.g., uncollapsed) state responsive to the touch force 1400 beinglifted from the selected button accessory 104. Correspondingly, themounting platform 126 and the selected button accessory 104 may bereturned to a default posture responsive to the collapsible switch 1300returning to the default state.

The mounting platform 126 may be further configured such that when aremovable controller accessory is not affixed to the mounting platform126, a touch force may be applied directly to the mounting platform 126.The mounting platform 126 may be configured to translate the touch forceinto movement of the mounting platform 126 that applies an activationforce to the collapsible switch 1300 to generate the activation signal.In other words, the mounting platform 126 may function as a push buttonitself when a removable button accessory is not affixed to the mountingplatform 126. In one example, an activation force may include an amountof force sufficient to cause the collapsible switch 1300 to collapse.The activation force may be any suitable amount of force to actuate anelectronic input sensor.

Although the mounting platform 126 may translate a touch force to anactivation force, the mounting platform 126 may otherwise differ from atraditional push button. For example, the mounting platform 126 may berecessed from a surface of the upper housing portion 118 of the gamecontroller 100 in order to accommodate a thickness of the buttonaccessory 104. Further, the topside 136 of the mounting platform 126 mayhave abrupt edges that are configured to mate with the button accessory104. In contrast, traditional push buttons may have edges and surfacesthat are contoured to comfortably accommodate a user's finger.

The collapsible switch 1300 may take any suitable form. In one example,the collapsible switch 1300 may include a tactile switch. In anotherexample, the collapsible switch 1300 may include a dome switch.

In some implementations, a magnetic shunt 1310 may be located proximateto the magnet 140 to increase the retention strength of thebutton-retention feature 138 or to prevent the magnetic field of themagnet 140 from interfering with other electromagnetic components of thegame controller 100. In one particular example, the magnetic shunt 1310is made of steel. In the depicted implementation, the magnetic shunt1310 is coupled to the printed circuit board 122. Although, the magneticshunt 1310 may be positioned at any suitable location within the gamecontroller to alter the magnetic field produced by the mounting platform126 or the selected button accessory 104. In some implementations, aplurality of magnetic shunts may be positioned throughout the gamecontroller 100 to increase the retention strength of thebutton-retention feature 138 or to shield one or more components of thegame controller 100 from the magnetic fields of the button-retentionfeature 138.

In another example shown in FIGS. 15-17, the electronic input sensorincludes a Hall Effect sensor 1500. The Hall Effect sensor 1500 may bemounted to the printed circuit board 122 below the mounting platform126. The Hall Effect sensor 1500 may be configured to vary an outputsignal based on a magnetic field produced by the magnet 140 of themounting platform 126 (or a magnet in the selected button accessory104). In particular, the Hall Effect sensor 1500 may have an actuationrange in which the magnetic field may affect the output signal of theHall Effect sensor 1500 such that the Hall Effect sensor 1500 may varyan output signal responsive to the magnet 140 entering the actuationrange.

As shown in FIG. 15, when no touch is applied to the selected buttonaccessory 104, the mounting platform 126 resides in the default posture.In the default posture, the magnet 140 is positioned above the actuationrange of the Hall Effect sensor 1500 at a first distance (D1). As such,the Hall Effect sensor 1500 may produce a first output signal indicatingno actuation of the push button (or may produce no output signal).

As shown in FIG. 16, the mounting platform 126 moves into the actuationrange of the Hall Effect sensor 1500 responsive to a touch 1600 beingapplied to the selected button accessory 104 when the selected buttonaccessory 104 is affixed to the mounting platform 126. In particular,the magnet 140 is positioned at a second distance (D2) that causes theHall Effect sensor to produce a second output signal different than thefirst output signal produced when the magnet 140 was positioned at thefirst distance. In particular, the second output signal may indicateactuation of the push button.

As shown in FIG. 17, the mounting platform 126 moves further into theactuation range of the Hall Effect sensor 1500 responsive to the touch1600 being further applied to the selected button accessory 104 when theselected button accessory 104 is affixed to the mounting platform 126.In particular, the magnet 140 is positioned at a third distance (D3)that causes the Hall Effect sensor to produce a third output signaldifferent than the first and second output signals. In one example, thefirst output signal is 5 volts, the second output signal is 3 volts, andthe third output signal is 1 volt. The Hall Effect sensor 1500 mayoutput any suitable output signal based on a position of the magnet 140.

In some implementations, the game controller 100 may be configured tointerpret the output signal produced by the Hall Effect sensor 1500 in abinary fashion to determine whether or not the push button is actuated.For example, a threshold parameter (e.g., voltage) may be set todetermine whether the push button is actuated. In one example, thethreshold parameter may include a voltage corresponding to a distanceassociated with the far edge of the actuation range. The thresholdparameter may be set to any suitable value.

In some implementations, the game controller 100 may be configured tovary an output signal relative to a distance that the mounting platform126 (or the magnet 140) moves into the actuation range of the HallEffect sensor 1500. In such implementations, the push button may be usedto provide a variable or analog input that varies based on how far thepush button is depressed.

In one example, in a baseball video game, a speed at which a pitcherthrows a baseball may be varied based on how much the push button isdepressed. For example, the push button may be depressed a lesserdistance to throw a pitch slower, or the push button may be depressed agreater distance to throw a pitch faster.

In some implementations, a return mechanism 1502 may be positionedbetween the mounting platform 126 and the printed circuit board 122. Inparticular such a return mechanism may be included in implementationsthat include Hall Effect sensor 1500 (or where electronic input sensor124 does not comprise a collapsible switch). The return mechanism 1502may be configured to allow the mounting platform 126 to translate towardthe Hall Effect sensor 1500 responsive to the touch 1600 being appliedto the selected button accessory 104. Further, the return mechanism 1502may be configured to return the mounting platform 126 and the selectedbutton accessory 104 to a default posture responsive to the touch 1600being lifted from the selected button accessory 104. In one example, thereturn mechanism 1502 may include a spring. In another example, thereturn mechanism 1502 may include a collapsible or deformable memberhaving similar characteristics to the collapsible switch 1300 of FIGS.13-14. The return mechanism 1502 may include any mechanism that returnsthe mounting platform 126 to the default posture. In implementations ofthe game controller 100 in which the mating platform 126 is omitted, thereturn mechanism 1502 may interface directly with the selected buttonaccessory 104 to return the selected button accessory 104 to a defaultposture responsive to the touch 1600 being lifted from the selectedbutton accessory 104.

Returning to FIG. 3, in some implementations, the game controller 100may include a button identification device 156 configured to identify aselected button accessory 104 when the selected button accessory 104 isaffixed to the mounting platform 126. The button identification device156 may be configured to associate a control signal with the identifiedbutton accessory 104. The button identification device 156 may beconfigured to identify any button accessory 104 that is affixed to anymounting platform 126 of the game controller 100. Further, the gamecontroller 100 may be configured to output the control signal associatedwith the selected button accessory 104 responsive to actuation of theelectronic input sensor 124 corresponding to the selected buttonaccessory 104 while the selected button accessory 104 is affixed to themounting platform 126. In some implementations, a control device otherthan the button identification device 156 may associate a control signalwith an identified button accessory.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 13-14, the button identificationdevice includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader 1308.Further, the selected button accessory 104 may include an RFID tag 1311.The RFID reader 1308 may be configured to read the RFID tag 1311 toidentify the selected button accessory 104 when the selected buttonaccessory 104 is affixed to the mounting platform 126. The RFID reader1308 (or other control device) may be configured to associate anidentifier corresponding to the RFID tag of the selected buttonaccessory 104 with a control signal. Furthermore, the game controller100 may be configured to output the control signal responsive toactuation of the collapsible switch 1300 while the selected buttonaccessory 104 is affixed to the mounting platform 126.

In another example, the button identification device 156 may beconfigured to identify a selected button accessory based on outputsignals produced by the Hall Effect sensor 1500. In particular,different button accessories may include different magnets that producedifferent magnetic fields identifiable by the Hall Effect sensor. Forexample, a first button accessory may include a first magnet thatproduces a magnetic field having a first magnitude that causes the HallEffect sensor 1500 to produce a first output signal. Further, a secondbutton accessory may include a second magnet that produces a magneticfield having a second magnitude that causes the Hall Effect sensor 1500to produce a second output signal. The first signal and the secondsignal may differ based on the difference in magnitudes of the differentmagnetic fields. Further, the different signals may act as baselinesignals that may be associated with the different button accessories.

An identified button accessory may be associated with any suitablecontrol signal or operation. In some implementations, each differentlyconfigured button accessory may be associated with a different controlsignal. In some implementations, two or more differently configuredbutton accessories may be associated with the same control signal oroperation. In some examples, each identified button accessory that isaffixed to the game controller 100 may be associated with a differentcontrol signal or operation. In some examples, two different identifiedbutton accessories that are affixed to the game controller 100 may beassociated with a same control signal (or operation).

By associating different control signals or operations with differentbutton accessories, different button accessories may be swapped on thegame controller 100 to customize the functionality of the gamecontroller 100. In one example shown in FIG. 18, a first set of buttonaccessories 1800 (e.g., 1800A, 1800B, 1800C, 1800D) may be affixed tothe game controller 100. The first set of button accessories 1800 may beconfigured to perform a first set of operations. For example, the firstset of button accessories 1800 may be configured for playing afirst-person-shooter (FPS) video game. In particular, a first buttonaccessory 1800A may be associated with a shoot operation, a secondbutton accessory 1800B may be associated with a reload weapon operation,a third button accessory 1800C may be associated with a switch weaponoperation, and a fourth button accessory 1800D may be associated with anaim weapon operation. The first set of button accessories 1800 may beaffixed to the game controller 100 any time a user plays a FPS videogame. In some examples, the operations associated with the buttonaccessories may be more specific to the particular video game. In otherexamples, the operations associated with the button accessories may beless specific to the particular video game. For example, the first setof button accessories may be a default set of button accessories.

In another example shown in FIG. 19, a second set of button accessories1900 (e.g., 1900A, 1900B, 1900C, 1900D) may be affixed to the same gamecontroller 100. The second set of button accessories may be configuredto perform a second set of operations that differs from the first set ofoperations of the first set of button accessories 1800. For example, thesecond set of button accessories 1900 may be configured for watchingtelevision. In particular, a first button accessory 1900A may beassociated with an increase sound volume operation, a second buttonaccessory 1900B may be associated with a decrease channel operation, athird button accessory 1900C may be associated with a decrease soundvolume operation, and a fourth button accessory 1900D may be associatedwith an increase channel operation. The second set of button accessories1900 may be affixed to the game controller 100 any time a user watchestelevision. Moreover, the second set of button accessories 1900 and thefirst set of button accessories may be easily swapped on the gamecontroller 100 when a user goes from watching television to playing aFPS video game.

In some examples, a same set of button accessories may be rearranged onthe game controller 100 to customize which push buttons perform whichoperations. For example, the first button accessory 1900A and the secondbutton accessory 1900B could be swapped to make the two volume controlsadjacent and the two channel controls adjacent on the game controller100.

Although the above examples describe operations as being grouped intoparticular sets, any individual button accessory may be affixed to thegame controller 100 to customize a particular operation.

Returning to FIGS. 2-3, in some implementations, the plurality ofmounting platforms 126 may be configured such that a same selectedbutton accessory 104 may be removably affixable to each of the pluralityof mounting platforms 126. For example, the different mounting platformsmay include the same mating features. In some implementations, theplurality of mounting platforms 126 may be identical. Correspondingly,in some implementations, every button accessory 104 may include anunderside 134 that is configured in the same manner such that any buttonaccessory 104 may affix to any of the plurality of mounting platform126. For example, the different button accessories may include the samemating features.

In other implementations, two or more mounting platforms of theplurality of mounting platforms 126 may be differently configured suchthat a same selected button accessory 104 is not removably affixable tothe two or more mounting platforms. For example, the different mountingplatforms 126 may include differently configured mating features thatare compatible with button accessories having cooperating matingfeatures.

In other implementations, two or more mounting platforms of theplurality of mounting platforms 126 may be configured such that a firstbutton accessory is removably affixable to a first mounting platform,and the first button accessory is not removably affixable to a secondmounting platform. Further, a second button accessory that isdifferently configured than the first button accessory may be removablyaffixable to the first mounting platform and the second mountingplatform.

In one example shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of mounting platforms 2000(e.g., 2000A, 2000B, 2000C, 2000D) of the game controller 100 eachinclude a differently configured set of mating features. In particular,a first mounting platform 2000A includes four mating features, a secondmounting platform 2000B includes two mating features, a third mountingplatform 2000C includes one mating feature, and a fourth mountingplatform 2000D includes three mating features. As such, each mountingplatform 2000 may be configured to be compatible with a different set ofbutton accessories such that the button accessories in the set may beconfigured to only be removably affixable to that mounting platform.

In another example, two of the mounting platforms may be configured inthe same manner, which may differ from a configuration of anothermounting platform. In such an example, a selected button accessory maybe removably affixable to the two mounting platforms, but may not beremovably affixable to the other mounting platform. In another example,each mounting platform may include a same number of mating features, butthe mating features may be radially spaced apart differently on thedifferent mounting platforms such that the mating features may bedifferently configured. Mating features of different mounting platformsmay be differently configured in any suitable manner.

Continuing with FIG. 20, in some implementations, each of the pluralityof mounting platforms 2000 may include a visual indicator 2002 (e.g.,2002A, 2002B, 2002C, 2002D) that indicates a selected button accessorytype that is removably affixable to the mounting platform. For example,the first mounting platform 2000A includes a “Y” visual indicator 2002A.Likewise, each button accessory that is compatible to affix to the firstmounting platform 2000A may include the same “Y” visual indicator.Because some button accessories may not be compatible with some mountingplatforms, the visual indicators may be used to match button accessorieswith compatible mounting platforms. In some implementations, a visualindicator may provide instructions for aligning a button accessory witha mounting platform to affix the button accessory to the mountingplatform. A mounting platform or a button accessory may include anysuitable visual indicator.

In another example implementation, a game controller comprises anelectronic input sensor, and a button-retention feature configured toremovably affix a selected button accessory to the game controllerthrough a magnetic attraction between the button-retention feature andthe selected button accessory. The selected button accessory may be oneof a plurality of differently configured button accessories removablyaffixable to the game controller. The selected button accessory may beconfigured to translate a touch applied to the selected button accessoryto an actuation of the electronic input sensor when the selected buttonaccessory is affixed to the game controller. In one exampleimplementation that optionally may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the button-retention feature includes one or moremagnets, and wherein the selected button accessory is made at leastpartially of ferromagnetic material having a magnetic attraction to theone or more magnets. In one example implementation that optionally maybe combined with any of the features described herein, thebutton-retention feature includes ferromagnetic material, and whereinthe selected button accessory includes one or more magnets having amagnetic attraction to the ferromagnetic material. In one exampleimplementation that optionally may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the game controller further comprises a componentdefining a mating feature configured to interlock with a correspondingmating feature on the selected button accessory to prevent the selectedbutton accessory from rotating while affixed to the game controller. Inone example implementation that optionally may be combined with any ofthe features described herein, the game controller further comprises amounting platform configured to removably receive the selected buttonaccessory, wherein the button-retention feature is configured toremovably affix the selected button accessory to the mounting platformthrough a magnetic attraction between the button-retention feature andthe selected button accessory. In one example implementation thatoptionally may be combined with any of the features described herein,the button-retention feature is included in the mounting platform. Inone example implementation that optionally may be combined with any ofthe features described herein, the mounting platform includes a matingfeature configured to interlock with a corresponding mating feature onthe selected button accessory to prevent the selected button accessoryfrom rotating about the mounting platform. In one example implementationthat optionally may be combined with any of the features describedherein, the electronic input sensor includes a collapsible switchconfigured to actuate responsive to a touch force applied to theselected button accessory when the selected button accessory is affixedto the game controller. In one example implementation that optionallymay be combined with any of the features described herein, theelectronic input sensor includes a Hall Effect sensor, and wherein theHall Effect sensor varies an output signal responsive to the touchapplied to the selected button accessory when the selected buttonaccessory is affixed to the mounting platform. In one exampleimplementation that optionally may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, each of the plurality of differently configured buttonaccessories produce a different magnetic field that is identifiable bythe Hall Effect sensor. In one example implementation that optionallymay be combined with any of the features described herein, the gamecontroller further comprises a button identification device configuredto identify the selected button accessory when the selected buttonaccessory is affixed to the mounting platform and associate a controlsignal with the selected button accessory. The game controller may beconfigured to output the control signal responsive to actuation of theelectronic input sensor while the selected button accessory is affixedto the mounting platform. Each of the plurality of differentlyconfigured button accessories may be associated with a different controlsignal.

In another example implementation, a controller comprises a plurality ofelectronic input sensors and a corresponding plurality of mountingplatforms. Each mounting platform may include a button-retention featureconfigured to removably affix a selected button accessory to acorresponding mounting platform through a magnetic attraction betweenthe button-retention feature and the button accessory. The selectedbutton accessory may be one of a plurality of differently configuredbutton accessories removably affixable to the mounting platform. Themounting platform may be configured to translate a touch applied to theselected button accessory to an actuation of a different electronicinput sensor of the plurality of electronic input sensors when theselected button accessory is affixed to the mounting platform. In oneexample implementation that optionally may be combined with any of thefeatures described herein, each of the plurality of mounting platformsincludes a visual indicator that indicates a selected button accessorytype that is removably affixable to the mounting platform. In oneexample implementation that optionally may be combined with any of thefeatures described herein, the plurality of mounting platforms areidentically configured such that a same selected button accessory isremovably affixable to each of the plurality of mounting platforms. Inone example implementation that optionally may be combined with any ofthe features described herein, two or more mounting platforms of theplurality of mounting platforms are differently configured such that asame selected button accessory is not removably affixable to the two ormore mounting platforms. In one example implementation that optionallymay be combined with any of the features described herein, each of theplurality of mounting platforms include a mating feature configured tointerlock with a corresponding mating feature of a selected buttonaccessory to prevent the selected button accessory from rotating aboutthe mounting platform, and wherein the two or mounting platforms includedifferently configured mounting features.

In one example implementation that optionally may be combined with anyof the features described herein, the controller further comprises abutton identification device configured to, for each of thecorresponding plurality of mounting platforms, identify the selectedbutton accessory when the selected button accessory is affixed to thecorresponding mounting platform and associate a control signal with theselected button accessory. The controller is configured to, for eachselected button accessory affixed to a mounting platform, output thecontrol signal associated with the selected button accessory responsiveto actuation of the electronic input sensor corresponding to theselected button accessory while the selected button accessory is affixedto the mounting platform. Each of the plurality of differentlyconfigured button accessories is associated with a different controlsignal. In another example implementation, a game controller comprises afirst electronic input sensor, a second electronic input sensor, a firstmounting platform and a second mounting platform. The first mountingplatform includes a first button-retention feature and a first matingfeature. The first button-retention feature is configured to removablyaffix a first button accessory to the mounting platform through amagnetic attraction between the first button-retention feature and thefirst button accessory. The first mating feature is configured tointerlock with a corresponding first mating feature of the first buttonaccessory to prevent the first button accessory from rotating about thefirst mounting platform. The first mounting platform is configured totranslate a touch applied to the first button accessory to an actuationof the first electronic input sensor when the first button accessory isaffixed to the first mounting platform. The second mounting platformincludes a second button-retention feature and a second mating feature.The second button-retention feature is configured to removably affix asecond button accessory to the mounting platform through a magneticattraction between the second button-retention feature and the secondbutton accessory. The second mating feature is configured to interlockwith a corresponding second mating feature of the second buttonaccessory to prevent the second button accessory from rotating about thesecond mounting platform. The second mounting platform is configured totranslate a touch applied to the second button accessory to an actuationof the second electronic input sensor when the second button accessoryis affixed to the second mounting platform. The first mating feature ofthe first mounting platform is differently configured than the secondmating feature of the second mounting platform such that the secondbutton accessory is not removably affixable to the first mountingplatform and the first button accessory is not removably affixable tothe second mounting platform. In one example implementation thatoptionally may be combined with any of the features described herein,the first mounting platforms includes a first visual indicator thatindicates a first button accessory type that is removably affixable tothe first mounting platform and wherein the second mounting platformincludes second visual indicator that indicates a second buttonaccessory type different than the first button accessory type that isremovably affixable to the second mounting platform. In one exampleimplementation that optionally may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the first mounting platform includes a first number ofmating features, and wherein the second mounting platform includes asecond number of mating features different than the first number ofmating features.

It will be understood that the configurations and/or approachesdescribed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specificembodiments or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense,because numerous variations are possible. The specific routines ormethods described herein may represent one or more of any number ofprocessing strategies. As such, various acts illustrated and/ordescribed may be performed in the sequence illustrated and/or described,in other sequences, in parallel, or omitted. Likewise, the order of theabove-described processes may be changed.

The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel andnonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various processes,systems and configurations, and other features, functions, acts, and/orproperties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A game controller comprising: an electronicinput sensor; and a mounting platform including a magnet configured toremovably affix a selected button accessory to the mounting platformthrough a magnetic attraction between the magnet and the selected buttonaccessory, the selected button accessory being one of a plurality ofdifferently configured button accessories removably affixable to themounting platform, the mounting platform and the magnet move togetherwith the selected button accessory relative to the electronic inputsensor responsive to finger manipulation of the selected buttonaccessory when the selected button accessory is magnetically affixed tothe mounting platform, and wherein the electronic input sensor isconfigured to produce an output signal based on a position of themagnet.
 2. The game controller of claim 1, wherein the electronic inputsensor is a Hall Effect sensor.
 3. The game controller of claim 2,wherein the game controller is configured to compare the output signalof the Hall Effect sensor to a threshold parameter to determine whetheror not the selected button accessory is actuated.
 4. The game controllerof claim 2, wherein the Hall Effect sensor is configured to vary theoutput signal based on the position of the magnet relative to the HallEffect sensor.
 5. The game controller of claim 4, wherein the gamecontroller is configured to vary a control signal associated with theselected button accessory based on the output signal of the Hall Effectsensor.
 6. The game controller of claim 2, wherein two or more of theplurality of differently configured button accessories produce differentmagnetic fields that are identifiable by the Hall Effect sensor.
 7. Thegame controller of claim 6, wherein the game controller is configured toassociate different control signals or operations with differentidentified button accessories.
 8. The game controller of claim 1,wherein the mounting platform includes a topside and an undersideopposite the topside, wherein the magnet is secured within a cavityformed on the underside of the mounting platform, and wherein theselected button accessory is removable from the mounting platform basedon the magnetic attraction between the magnet and the selected buttonaccessory being overcome by a removal force.
 9. The game controller ofclaim 1, further comprising: a return mechanism configured to return themounting platform to a default posture responsive to a touch beingremoved from the selected button accessory.
 10. A game controllercomprising: a Hall Effect sensor; and a mounting platform including amagnet configured to removably affix a selected button accessory to themounting platform through a magnetic attraction between the magnet andthe selected button accessory, the selected button accessory being oneof a plurality of differently configured button accessories removablyaffixable to the mounting platform, the mounting platform and the magnetmove together with the selected button accessory relative to the HallEffect sensor responsive to finger manipulation of the selected buttonaccessory when the selected button accessory is magnetically affixed tothe mounting platform, and wherein the Hall Effect sensor is configuredto produce an output signal based on a position of the magnet.
 11. Thegame controller of claim 10, wherein the game controller is configuredto compare the output signal of the Hall Effect sensor to a thresholdparameter to determine whether or not the selected button accessory isactuated.
 12. The game controller of claim 10, wherein the Hall Effectsensor is configured to vary the output signal based on the position ofthe magnet relative to the Hall Effect sensor.
 13. The game controllerof claim 10, wherein the game controller is configured to vary a controlsignal associated with the selected button accessory based on the outputsignal of the Hall Effect sensor.
 14. The game controller of claim 10,wherein two or more of the plurality of differently configured buttonaccessories produce different magnetic fields that are identifiable bythe Hall Effect sensor.
 15. The game controller of claim 14, wherein thegame controller is configured to associate different control signals oroperations with different identified button accessories.
 16. The gamecontroller of claim 10, wherein the mounting platform includes a topsideand an underside opposite the topside, and wherein the magnet is securedwithin a cavity formed on the underside of the mounting platform. 17.The game controller of claim 10, further comprising: a return mechanismconfigured to return the mounting platform to a default postureresponsive to a touch being removed from the selected button accessory.18. A controller comprising: a plurality of Hall Effect sensors; and acorresponding plurality of mounting platforms, each mounting platformincluding a magnet configured to removably affix a selected buttonaccessory to the mounting platform through a magnetic attraction betweenthe magnet and the selected button accessory, the selected buttonaccessory being one of a plurality of differently configured buttonaccessories removably affixable to the mounting platform, each mountingplatform and the magnet thereof move together with the selected buttonaccessory relative to a corresponding Hall Effect sensor of theplurality of Hall Effect sensors responsive to finger manipulation ofthe selected button accessory when the selected button accessory ismagnetically affixed to the mounting platform, and wherein thecorresponding Hall Effect sensor is configured to produce an outputsignal based on a position of the magnet.
 19. The game controller ofclaim 18, wherein each of the plurality of mounting platforms isconfigured such that a same selected button accessory is removablyaffixable to each of the plurality of mounting platforms.
 20. The gamecontroller of claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of differentlyconfigured button accessories produce a different magnetic field that isidentifiable by the Hall Effect sensor such that a first set of buttonaccessories is configured to perform a first set of operations when thefirst set of button accessories is affixed to the plurality of mountingplatforms and a second set of button accessories is configured toperform a second set of operation that differs from the first set ofoperations when the second set of button accessories is affixed to theplurality of mounting platforms.